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Randall Hoyte's avatar

Great read Tommy. Something you didn’t mention is how committed is Ainge to tanking for the ‘23 draft? If that is his plan then he can’t go into the season with Mitchell. Mitchell’s presence alone ensures that they won’t be in the bottom 4. I see this as added leverage for the Knicks. If this is the goal for Ainge he can’t afford to go too deep into the season with Mitchell.

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Tommy Beer's avatar

Good point, Randall. The chase for Victor Wembanyama could certainly factor into Ainge's thinking... Conversely - Utah hosts the 2023 All-Star Game, so there is talk Ainge may wait until after that date

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Jonathan Bailey's avatar

Best analysis of this potential deal. Thanks! This is great work. As a long time fan [back to the Sixties] I prefer option #2: building, developing, scouting/drafting. It's worth noting that neither Michael Jordan, nor Larry Bird, nor Kobe Bryant, nor Steph Curry were #1 picks in their entry draft. There's skill and luck in building a championship team.

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Tommy Beer's avatar

Thanks for reading and commenting, Jonathan!

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Brian kills's avatar

Isiah Thomas deserves to b in the 10 not left out! He had back to back and beat MJ magic and bird

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Dom da Dentist's avatar

Loved it but you spelled Mitchell wrong so many times and i had it playing via audio and it was driving me nuts lol

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Wayne Lewis's avatar

Isiah and Dirk are all time greats in my humble opinion and Giannis is on his way

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